5 Signs Your Garage Door Torsion Springs Need Replacement

Garage door torsion springs are crucial components that counter-balance the weight of your door, making it easy to open and close. When these springs begin to fail, they can cause significant inconvenience and even pose serious safety risks. Knowing when to replace your garage door springs can save you time, money, and potential injury.

1. Your Garage Door Opens Unevenly or Gets Stuck

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of failing torsion springs is when your garage door begins to operate unevenly.

• The door appears crooked or slanted when opening or closing
• Movement becomes jerky rather than smooth
• The door gets stuck at certain points during operation
• One side of the door rises faster than the other

This uneven movement occurs when springs lose tension unevenly or when one spring breaks while the other remains intact in a two-spring system. This imbalance puts additional strain on your garage door opener and can lead to premature failure of other components.

2. Your Garage Door Is Extremely Heavy to Lift Manually

Healthy torsion springs should make your garage door feel relatively light when you disconnect the automatic opener and lift it manually. If you find yourself straining to lift the door, your springs have likely lost their tension and are no longer providing adequate counterbalance.

Quick Test: Disconnect your automatic opener (pull the emergency release cord) and try to lift your door manually. It should require minimal effort and stay in place when you let go at any position. If it's heavy or drops quickly, your springs need attention.

3. You Notice Gaps or Elongation in the Springs

Visual inspection can tell you a lot about the condition of your torsion springs:

• Look for visible gaps between the coils when the door is closed
• Check for stretching or elongation of the springs
• Inspect for rust, which can accelerate spring deterioration
• Look for any deformation or unwinding of the coils

Healthy torsion springs should have tightly wound coils with minimal spacing between them. As springs wear out, they stretch and lose tension, creating visible gaps between the coils.

4. Your Garage Door Slams Shut Quickly

When torsion springs lose tension, they can no longer properly counterbalance the weight of your door. One dangerous sign is when your door closes unusually fast or slams shut when lowered.

This rapid, uncontrolled descent is not only a sign of failing springs but also presents a serious safety hazard. A door that slams shut can cause injury to people, pets, or damage to vehicles and items in its path.

5. Your Garage Door Makes Unusual Noises

Listen carefully to your garage door during operation. Failing torsion springs often announce themselves with distinctive sounds:

• Squeaking or squealing during door operation
• Grinding or grating noises
• Popping or snapping sounds (which may indicate a spring has already broken)
• Unusual straining sounds from your garage door opener motor

While some minor noises can be addressed with lubrication, persistent or loud noises typically indicate that spring replacement is necessary.

Bonus Sign: Your Springs Are Simply Old

Even if you're not experiencing obvious problems, age alone can be a reason to replace your springs:

• Standard torsion springs typically last 7-10 years or approximately 10,000 cycles
• High-cycle springs can last 15-20,000 cycles or more
• If you can't remember when your springs were last replaced, they're probably due

One "cycle" is a complete opening and closing of the door. In an average household that uses the garage door 3-5 times per day, springs may need replacement every 5-7 years.

What To Do If You Notice These Signs

If you've identified one or more of these warning signs, it's time to take action:

1. Measure your current springs carefully (see our guide on how to measure garage door torsion springs)
2. Order the correct replacement springs from our wide selection
3. Consider hiring a professional for installation, as torsion spring replacement can be dangerous
4. If you're experienced with DIY projects, follow our installation guide for safe replacement

Frequently Asked Questions